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It is important that education on stroke is provided in ways that people can really understand
Getting people to hospital quickly for specialist care after a stroke saves lives and reduces disability.1 However, for many people, the most appropriate care is delayed and, in some cases, may not happen at all. Other than the ongoing lack of specialist stroke services, what is it that impedes access to best services for patients who have a stroke?
Huge efforts have been made to highlight the seriousness of stroke and the importance of getting swift medical attention. However, the long lasting effects of education and screening campaigns are debatable,2–4 providing a reminder (if one were needed) of the complexity of health promotion for behaviour change. Key questions to face are whether the level of knowledge about stroke is good enough, and whether that knowledge leads to appropriate action when people experience a stroke.
A number of recent studies have explored the quality of the public’s knowledge about stroke and many make depressing reading.2,3 The recent study by Carroll et al5 (summarised in the “Echo” which appears on page 168 of this issue of QSHC) presents contrasting findings about the level …